Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth on Thursday jointly inaugurated a new airstrip and St. James Jetty along with six community development projects at the Agalega Island in Mauritius via video conferencing.

Mauritius is a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR, Mr Modi said on the occasion. “As members of Global South, we have common priorities and the last ten years have seen an unprecedented momentum in the relations between the two countries and new heights of mutual cooperation have been achieved,” he noted.

The inauguration of these projects is a testimony to the robust and decades-old development partnership between India and Mauritius and will fulfil the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security and foster socio-economic development.

The inauguration of these projects is significant as it follows the recent launch of UPI and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by the two leaders on 12 February.

The Indian leader underlined that development partnerships have been the foundation pillars of the political partnerships between the two nations and that the developmental contributions made by India are based on Mauritius’s priorities, be it security to the EEZ or health security. “India has always respected Mauritius’s needs and acted as the first responder,” he said, highlighting India’s long-standing support to the island nation, be it the Covid pandemic or oil spill. He said that the prime objective of India is a positive change for the people of Mauritius.

Mr Modi expressed happiness that he could fulfill his promise to the people of Agalega which he made in 2015. “These days, this is being called Modi ki Guarantee in India. These facilities that have been jointly inaugurated today will enhance ease of living,” he said.

It will improve connectivity between the North and Southern parts of Mauritius and improve administrative connection with the mainland. Medical evacuation and transportation of school kids will improve, he said.

Lauding Mr Jugnauth’s decision to establish Jan Ayushadhi Kendras in Mauritius, the PM said that with this the island has become the first country to join India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative which will benefit the people of Mauritius by providing better quality Made-in-India generic medicines.

PM Jugnauth lauded India’s contribution to entirely finance the project. He conveyed profound gratitude to PM Modi Modi on behalf of his government and the people of Mauritius for giving special consideration to the island nation since assuming office in India.